Liverpool to beat Everton to target

Roberto Martinez looks set to miss out on Sunderland's former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson.

Martinez wanted to bring Johnson to Goodison Park on loan, however according to The Express, Everton now look set to miss out with Liverpool wanting to make a permanent deal.

Sunderland are keen to reduce their wage bill under Gus Poyet and with Johnson one of their higher earners, he has become available.

It has been suggested that an enquiry was made for the 26-year-old, but Sunderland would prefer a permanent deal and with Sunderland aiming to recoup most of the £10million they paid for him that would rule Everton out of the deal, whilst Liverpool could offer a deal involving Fabio Borini, who had a successful loan spell at Sunderland last season as a sweetener.

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